With IP skills in high demand and the profession in transition—more than being the ‘hand washing cop’ or the flu shot nurse’—Faber explains the importance of APIC’s new IP competency model, which is “applicable to all practice settings.”

“APIC’s new model is meant to help IPs plan their career development in an effective, objective way. It stresses the importance of board certification in infection prevention as a bridge to career advancement. It provides a worthwhile tool for discussion among all institutional stakeholders and can be a practical resource in helping educate others about the overall aspects of the IP’s expanding role,” she writes.

Also, APIC is looking for input on the IP competency model from APIC partner organizations, consumers, and healthcare leaders, says Farber. How to present the value of board certification to institutions; linking the model to job descriptions; strengthening IP practice and professional role development; are some of the key areas for input.